Tech Focus - Core Pace Pro

Phil Janke (CORE Head of Marketing) talks us through the Pace Pro in this Tech Focus. Designed by Frank Ilfrich, the genius behind CORE’s kites, with the help of Giel Vlugt and Zara Hoogenraad, this new model takes Big Air to a whole new level. Let’s jump in!

Hi Phil! We can't wait to hear all about the new Pace Pro! Who was the lead designer, and for whom was it designed?

The Pace Pro was designed and developed by Frank Ilfrich, CORE’s chief designer behind all our kites and wings. As the demand for big air kiters and competition performance continues to evolve, we saw a good chance to introduce a second big air model alongside the XR. This eventually resulted in the Pace Pro.

The goal behind the Pace Pro was to combine two contradictory characteristics: on the one hand, the absolute top performance in jump height, hangtime, and flight stability, and on the other, fast looping without additional acceleration and safe catching required for today's big air competitions.

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How long have you spent working on the kite? We know CORE only releases a product when it is ready. Has this kite been in the making for a while?

As you mentioned, the great thing about CORE is that we take our time with each product development. Our minimum 2-year product cycle allows us to work on different approaches and test them extensively. As always, we invite our team riders to contribute to this process. Zara and Giel invested a lot of time and effort in the Pace Pro, greatly contributing to the result. While both have ridden the XR Pro extensively, the Pace Pro is an even better fit for their riding style.

What are the main differences between the Pace Pro and other kites in CORE's lineup?

The Pace Pro expands our Pro line-up, known for utilising the highest-quality materials available to deliver performance beyond our regular models. With the XR Pro already in the lineup—a supercharged XR model that excels in strong winds due to its ultra-rigid 5-strut frame made from Aluula—we identified a gap for a faster and more agile 3-strut model that can still match the XR’s jumping ability. CORE's innovative design approach solved this challenging requirement: a fixed bridle system supporting the extremely stretched bow.

What advantages does the fixed-bridle system offer over traditional bridles in the Pace Pro's design?

The numerous bridle points supporting the kite's arc allow us to design a high-aspect ratio shape and achieve an even thinner leading-edge diameter. This unlocks new possibilities, such as fine-tuning the kite’s position in the wind window. For loops to remain as fast and consistent as possible, the kite must be positioned precisely in the wind window, a task the fixed bridle handles effectively. The Pace sits more on the front lines, making it especially suited for the popular pre-pop jumping technique. The loops are consistently smooth, with no added aggression, and the turning radius offers excellent versatility.

How does combining the Pace Pro with the Sensor 4 bar enhance safety and performance?

The Sensor bar system has always been unique, offering an ultra-direct bar feel and combining simplicity with high-end components. However, its Supported Single Frontline Safety (SSFS) was incompatible with fixed-bridle kites. The introduction of Sensor 4’s new Single-Frontline-Safety (SFS) has made it possible to experiment with a fixed bridle for the first time. Tested and approved by IKO and combined with our 4:1 Adjuster, the Sensor 4's new Single-Frontline-Safety (SFS+) is now one of the safest systems on the market. Additionally, we’ve introduced the option to choose between a High-V and Low-V setup, which is particularly useful when using lines shorter than 20 meters. Enhanced bar grip coating, more voluminous floaters with improved grip, and universal pigtails contribute to a meaningful upgrade. As a result, the Sensor 4 retains all the strengths of the 3S while gaining added versatility, allowing riders of other brands to use a Sensor bar with their kites.

What sort of feedback have you received from CORE big air riders?

It's interesting: Every rider, regardless of background or skill level, is blown away by the Pace Pro after their first session. We're not surprised, and there are several reasons why. As a fixed-bridle kite, it feels and responds differently from our previous bridle kites. Its unique setup—featuring a fast-turning, big-air design with an ultra-stiff Aluula airframe—makes the Pace Pro truly one of a kind. Of course, there are many reasons to choose the Nexus for wave riding and freestyle or the XR and XR Pro for stronger winds and achieving your highest boosts.

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The kite is much easier to loop and perform doubles with than the XR Pro. Who should buy this kite, and what sort of riders should stick with the XR?

So, the Pace Pro is a perfect choice if you focus on big air with kiteloops and double loops. If you're aiming purely for big air and maximum hangtime, then the XR Pro is the ideal option. Heavier riders will also benefit from the 5-strut frame of the XR Pro.

Aluula has obvious benefits, but what does it bring to the Pace Pro? Why is it important in this kite?

We are constantly testing various materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. While I wouldn’t claim that Aluula is the best material in every aspect, it delivers the best results when maximising stiffness. This enabled us to create a thinner leading-edge diameter while maintaining a stiff airframe, which is crucial for big air and high winds. Every CORE rider can attest that our exclusive materials, ExoTex 2 and CoreTex 2, also deliver outstanding performance in low stretch and rigidity. In some cases, they are the better choice for certain models.

Is the kite purely a big air double-loop machine, or can it be used for other disciplines like foiling?

The Pace was developed with kiteloops and double loops in mind. However, thanks to its intelligent design and material mix, it's also a highly versatile all-rounder. It's more than capable for foiling and wave riding, offering ease of use and confidence-inspiring handling in various conditions.

Great, thank you so much, Phil.

Thanks, Jen!